Music icon Sir Elton John has revealed that he doesn't really like TV talent shows such as 'The Voice' or 'X Factor' because they shoot people to fame with no steady rise, which can be detrimental. 

Speaking to chat show host Graham Norton about the immediate publicity given to finalists and winners of such programmes, he explained that it sets them up to fail as they usually have no prior experience of a career in the industry: "The type of celebrity that television shows give you these days, without the experience of playing live, means you are just thrown to the wolves. Getting experience by being in a band and earning very little from what you love doing gives you the backbone, mettle and experience you will need later in life."

"I don't dislike the people on these shows but feel sorry for them, they win the show, make their record and the next year it's someone else."

The 'Rocket Man' superstar added that he was recently asked to consider recording and releasing a Christmas album, but decided it was too tacky so declined the offer: "My record company wanted me to do a Christmas album but that is so silly. I'll leave that to Rod Stewart. Having said that, his album is doing better than mine!"